Last week were talking about outcome measures in ALS. In looking at those, we found forced vital capacity (FVC) was an important one to keep track of, and saw a demo of how this test is performed. The above article tells us how to interpret those results.

The cut-off score is 75%. Over 75% you’re likely to have more time until you’re dependent on a tracheostomy, on average about 4 years vs. 3 years for those who start out at less than 75%. The FVC test is important to conduct and follow-up test, because it’s respiratory distress (can’t breath well) that usually ends up causing death in those with ALS.

So that was short and sweet.

Since it was, I wanted to take a moment to ask your help on my little survey here. Just want to know who’s floating around the website and how I can improve the experience here. That’s all. 10 questions in 1-2 minutes. Thanks!